Nigeria has expressed openness to U.S. assistance in combating Islamist insurgents, provided its sovereignty is respected. The response came after former U.S. President Donald Trump warned of possible military action, accusing Nigeria of persecuting Christians.
Daniel Bwala, adviser to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, told Reuters that Nigeria “welcomes U.S. assistance as long as it recognizes our territorial integrity.” Despite Trump labeling Nigeria a “disgraced country,” Bwala dismissed the remarks, saying Trump “thinks well of Nigeria” and that cooperation between the two nations could strengthen efforts against terrorism.
Nigeria has battled Islamist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) for over 15 years, particularly in the Muslim-majority northeast. While Christians have suffered attacks, analysts note that most victims have been Muslims. Conflicts in central regions also pit Muslim herders against Christian farmers, while bandit gangs terrorize the northwest.
Bwala rejected claims of religious persecution, asserting that “Nigeria does not discriminate against any tribe or religion in fighting insecurity.” According to Ladd Serwat of the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), insurgent violence in Nigeria often targets entire communities rather than specific religious groups. ACLED data show that out of nearly 1,923 civilian attacks this year, only 50 were directed at Christians for their faith.
Trump’s comments followed Nigeria’s return to the U.S. “Countries of Particular Concern” list for alleged religious freedom violations. Tinubu, a Muslim married to a Christian pastor, defended Nigeria’s record, emphasizing balanced representation in government and military appointments.
While some Nigerian Christians voiced support for U.S. intervention, analysts warned that potential American strikes would face logistical challenges given the militants’ mobility across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.